Periodontal Disease Can Affect Your Lungs Too

Did You Know That Periodontal Disease Can Affect Your Lungs Too?

Periodontal disease most noticeably affects your gums when a buildup of bacteria occurs below your teeth’s gumline. Gingivitis usually accompanies this with bleeding, and redness from plaque buildup.

Gingivitis can advance into periodontitis. Left untreated, you can also develop infections in other areas of your body like your lungs.

Bacteria Breakdown

Bacteria abound in everyone’s mouth and many aren’t dangerous. Professionals used to think that harmful bacteria in your mouth only affected gums and teeth when it actually can affect other parts of your body.

After bacteria festers in your mouth for a long time, you can experience inflammation that can travel to other areas of the body. No one wants to experience inflammation in any area of their body.

Who Is At Risk?

The elderly are at greater risk for developing respiratory issues from oral bacteria accumulation. Furthermore, those with poor immune systems due to other illnesses may also be at greater risk.

Prevention

As long as you’re committed to having great oral hygiene by seeing your dentist every 6 months and keep your dental appliances free of bacteria, you should be on the right track.

However, regarding professional cleanings and the number of times you need one per year, you need to consult with your dentist to know what you specifically need. If you already suffer from respiratory issues, advise your dentist and discuss your longterm care openly.